In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cher Goetz sits down with Chef Nicole, a passionate food educator, mentor, and entrepreneur whose journey has taken her to the forefront of hands-on culinary education. As one of the early adopters of the personal chef movement, Chef Nicole built a thriving business that has now evolved into a mission-focused career bringing nutrition, creativity, and curriculum-aligned food programs into local classrooms. With experience serving thousands of students, supporting local organizations, and cooking for Tiny Home Takeout, Nicole shares how food is a tool for connection, empowerment, and joy.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [02:35] Chef Nicole’s journey to launching a personal chef business rooted in family experience and food allergies.
• [03:30] How teaching at the Kitchener Market led to her passion for food education and empowering kids with kitchen skills.
• [07:05] Insight into her work at Tiny Home Takeout and why it's a fulfilling community-based initiative.
• [13:09] Behind the scenes of her popular summer cooking camps for kids aged 8–12, and how they help build cooking skills and confidence.
• [17:40] Chef Nicole shares how embracing pivots and saying “yes” to new opportunities shaped her entrepreneurial journey.
• [19:25] Her curriculum-aligned school food program for grades K–6, how it works, and the impact it’s making in classrooms.
• [30:00] Tips for introducing kids to cooking at home, including age-appropriate tasks, starter recipes, and confidence-building techniques.
• [35:02] Chef Nicole’s personal favourite meals, from tacos to berry salads, and her food philosophy around nutrient-dense eating.
• [40:26] Bulk buying local meat, freezer prep tips, and how to simplify last-minute dinners with smart planning.
• [46:59] What Nicole loves most about living in Waterloo Region, including nature trails and favourite local food spots like Color Blend Co. and Darlise Café.

This inspiring conversation is full of practical ideas for parents, educators, and anyone looking to connect with others through food. Chef Nicole shows us that cooking isn’t just about meals — it’s about confidence, creativity, and community.

Connect with Chef Nicole:

Instagram: @chef.nicole

Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: [email protected]

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: [email protected]
519.497.9256

• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co